To say that 2021 was a challenging year is certainly an understatement! 

Over the past several months, we have seen businesses shutting down, restaurants changing course, and schools going back to blended and distance learning models, all to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

All of that, on top of toilet paper and Lysol shortages, remembering to bring your mask when you leave your house, and gaining the COVID 20! 

There has been a lot going on! 

With all of these stressors, self-care has become an important part of our routine. Taking that little moment to do something for yourself can help us maintain a positive attitude.

We asked our teachers what they are doing to take care of themselves during these continued uncertain times. 

 

Ashley D’Amico

Ashley shared, “You have to take a moment and enjoy the music. Put in your
headphones, and just listen to whatever makes you feel good, without overthinking,
or analyzing.” Ashley says she listens to Shostakovitch and Phillip Glass to relax. (Such a music teacher move!)

 

Andrew Grossman

Andrew’s tip: “I’m trying to stay physical.” He also said pop music has become a de-stressor. Listening to non-classical, mainstream music “makes me feel like a regular person, just a dude listening to the hits,” rather than someone living through a pandemic. 

 

 

Alfredo Hernandez

Alfredo, like Andrew, has also been staying active with physical activity.  Although, what he said was really giving him life was a good ol’ DIY project!  “You know that awkward space between your fridge and the wall? Well, I built a rolling pantry for the space, just like Rachael Ray!”

 

 

Maria Faul

Maria’s self-care practice is simple: she doesn’t work before she gets to school, and she doesn’t work after she leaves. And she doesn’t accept meetings before or after, either. A great tip for work/life balance!

 

 

Amanda Keil

“Music! I’ve been singing more than ever!” says Amanda. Specifically, she’s taking time to learn Schubert’s song cycle Der Winterreise. She said of learning new music, “It informs what I’m doing as a teacher.” She also said, “I bought a bike, like everyone else!” Biking is a sure-fire way to temporarily erase her anxieties.

 

 

We want you to know that we are there with you. And we hope these tips remind you to take a few moments for yourself every day!

And for all of the teachers out there, especially our ETM music teachers, we know it’s been extra hard to juggle all of the balls 2020 has thrown us, while still continuing to be there for your students, and we appreciate you now more than ever! 

This month we are re-launching our #ThankYouTeachers campaign, shouting out all of the amazing work done on a daily basis by educators all over the world. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to participate in our campaign, and be sure to let a teacher in your life that you appreciate them!

Looking for more self-care tips? Check out more self-care practices from our teachers here.